Sun cream, passport, tickets and jabs

HEALTH experts are urging Northumberland parents to ensure their children have received vital jabs before travelling abroad.

It is important that children and young adults going overseas on holiday, for a work placement or as part of a expedition have had their primary vaccinations, in particular the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) injection.

Nationally, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is seeing an increase in cases of measles, particularly in cases among the under 25s.

Medical Director for NHS North of Tyne Dr Mike Guy said: “The rise in the number of cases of measles, some of which are linked to travel abroad, demonstrates the risk of measles to unvaccinated travellers and anyone planning to go abroad should therefore ensure that they are fully protected against measles before travelling.

“Vaccinations, also called immunisations, have saved countless lives and are one of the most effective measures to help you stay well.”

Immunisation lead for the HPA in the North East Julia Waller added: “Measles is potentially a very serious illness which on rare occasions can be fatal. It is highly infectious and spreads very easily particularly in schools, colleges and universities.”

GPs can provide advice on vaccination and more information is available at www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Landing.aspx